Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-06-23
RAGS

sweet flowers blossomed in wild luXur-
lance, and twisted creepers made an
almost impossible barrier, went two
children, slowly but surely fighting
their way along.
Now and then a ray of sunlight
glinting through the trees fell across
these pretty bare heads and lovely
dusky faces.
Their dresses of rich cream en-
broidery were gathered about the waist
by delicate pink ribbons; bows of the
same rosy hue held back the thickly-
clustering curls; tiny worked socks
and pink kid shoes completed toilettes
fit for any young princesses.
But Zoe and Fay Marchmont were
not princesses, only two very wilful,
thoughtless little girls, who, having es-
capped from nurses vigilant eyes whilst
she hushed baby to sleep, had run on
and on, until, once in the woods all re-
morse fled in the delight of chasing the
bright-winged butterflies.
care you tired?" Zoe asked present
ly, turning to her younger sister.
mo, not very; but, Zoe, will nursie
be dreadful angry?"
Zoe laughed saucily. She did not
care what anxiety their absence might
be causing to those at home; a feeling
of reckless JOY, of intense freedom had
taken possession of her.
The pathway became less closely to-
gether rs they neared the end When
at last the children stepped out into
the open road, both paused in silent
wonder.
"Do you know the way? Shall we be
home soon?" Fay enquired eagerly;
for in spite of her former denial, she
did begin to feel trifle weary.
"Oh yes; we only have to go straight
up this road; don't you remembers"
Fay did not remember, ever having
passed that way before; but she was
too obedient and yielding to say so.
Hand-in-hand, scarcely ever ex-
changing word, the children wandered
along, still hoping to shortly reach
their home.
Presently voices fell on their ears
loud, gruff voices such as they rarely
heard before. Momentary terror made
them pause for one instant, then Zoe,
with firm steps, marched on.
There are some people in that field;
suppose we 90 and ask them if we are
going the right way?"
Every WELL" Fay agreed YEARLY,
though she shrank timidly behind her
sister as they neared the huge
standing in the field.
A party of rOugh-lOOking women
were washing at a tiny clear spring,
shouting to each other the while;
several sunburnt children lay rolling
on the grass, filling the air with THEN
joyous cries.
Zoe dragged poor frightened Fay
close to the big tent, near where a tall
young girl stood, one brown arm
flung around the shaggy neck of q
gentle-eyed donkey.
Her pretty face attracted Zoe, and
she gazed wonderingly at the long
masses of red-brown hair, which fell
carelessly about the gipsy's shoulders;
her surprised eyes were full of interest.
as the two children approached her.
"Wen," she exclaimed sharply, try
ing in vain to make her voice less
harsh; What do you want?"
''Is this the way to Marchmont
Granger" Zoe asked.
The girl laughed scornfully, and
dashed the clustering hair from her
eyes.
Il say, mother" she cried mock
ingly; ''here are two ladies who have
lost their way. Do you know the
place they want?"
''Wait moment, Meg; don't brighten
the poor mites" one of the women
answered, and wringing the linen she
was washing she spread it upon the
grass, and hurried towards them.
With arms akimbo she scanned the
children closely for several seconds.
What are you doing here? Why
yon are alone?"
Zoe smiled, and drew Fay into
greater prominence by one swift jerk.
1--WE wanted to 60. for walk by
ourselves but now don't know which
is our road; could you show us?" she
said gravely.
(Which way did you Gomez"
Through the woods"
The gypsy hesitated, and for mo,
ment her envious glance was rivete6
upon the beautiful coral necklaces and
shining gold bracelets worn by the
little sisters. That look soon changed
to an expression of gentle compassion
s'You ought not to have come out
alone; you might have been robbed
and murdered in that lonely wood
Hurry back now, there's dear children
or your mother viii break her heart a
your loss"
.'Are we to 90 again through the
wood?" Zoe asked pathetically.
''Tm afraid so; | don't like your so
ing by yourselves; but there's no heiI
for it. Run off. dears, it is getting
late"